This morning, I visited Burton RSPB, keen to catch up with the Long-eared Owl discovered last week. On arrival at the visitors’ centre, it was a pleasant surprise to see Janet and Bob Jones from Sandbach, whom I hadn’t seen since the Whiskered Terns earlier in the year. After a quick chat, I noticed that the Cattle Egrets were showing well, so I said my goodbyes and headed out. Six birds were present, and true to their name, one even perched atop the local cow herd—a classic photo opportunity.
There are now six cattle egrets showing on the reserve
Moving towards Inner Marsh Farm hide, small passerines were busy around the hedges. Siskin and Redpoll flitted among the trees, and a particularly showy Bullfinch paused long enough for some excellent views and photos.
Bullfinch
While walking along the marshes, Pink-footed Geese passed overhead in constant streams, and a Great White Egret added a flash of elegance to the landscape. The Long-eared Owl didn’t take long to locate; a small group of birders were already watching it as it skulked quietly in a hedge. Half an hour later, it remained largely stationary, so I moved on to the nearby hide. Here, a Green Sandpiper provided excellent views alongside two Shelduck and a few Teal.
Long Eared Owl
Green Sandpiper
Returning towards the owl, it still hadn’t moved, so I continued to Burton Point, where the tide had nearly covered all the marshes. Hundreds of birds were in flight. Highlights included two Short-eared Owls, a ring-tailed Hen Harrier, and three Great White Egrets. Goose numbers were impressive: Pink-footed and Canada Geese dominated, with a few Brent Geese scattered across the marsh. The biggest surprise was a skein of Barnacle Geese flying past the point and landing on Denhall Marsh. Having only seen the occasional Barnacle Goose in Cheshire before, this was an extraordinary spectacle.
Burton Point
Looking over the reserve from Burton Point
At Denhall Lane, I managed to locate 21 Barnacle Geese feeding on the marsh. Photos were challenging due to distance, but the experience more than made up for it. Other notable birds included over twenty Little Egrets, another Great White Egret, and a Stonechat perched on the marsh edges.
Barnacle Geese
Stonechat
Another great morning’s birding, showcasing the rich diversity of the Wirral marshes, and a reminder of why these winter months are so rewarding—though sadly, the trip had to come to an end due to other commitments.
Denhall Marsh
